Eddy Current: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Liquid Penetration & Magnetic Particle Inspection

Liquid penetration (LP) & magnetic particle inspection (MPI) are long-standing methods of non-destructive testing (NDT). But, eddy current inspection is proving to be a cost-effective alternative for weld inspections. In a time when companies need to prioritize sustainable practices and improve EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety) performance, Eddy Current Flaw Detectors can help companies meet these goals – while saving time and money.

Eddy current inspection does not require many of the consumables needed with the LP and MPI processes. For example, eddy current doesn’t use chemicals for penetrant or cleaning liquids. This eliminates the costly chemical disposal and is more environmentally-friendly. Additionally, it doesn’t call for pre-inspection coating removal or post-inspection repainting, which eliminates another consumable from the process.

For companies looking to achieve the most bang for their buck, eddy current testing saves money in the long run. Let’s compare eddy current to LP for a shut-down at 250,000 barrel per day refinery for inspection of 10,000 welds. LP would call for:

• A recurring $6,500 for chemicals
• 2,100 man hours for pre- and post-tasks
• 2,900 hours for LP inspections and cost of chemical disposal

Compared to eddy current testing:

• A one-time $12,000 capital investment
• 1,700 hours for ED inspection
• Lower inspection hours
• Lower long-term cost

Although eddy current testing has a larger initial cost, there is a strong ROI and far less chemical waste than other common weld inspection methods. Learn more about the benefits of eddy current testing in our latest webinar and about Mentor EM Eddy Current Portable Tester.

A Review of our Advanced Eddy Current Weld Inspection Webinar

GE recently hosted a webinar about advanced eddy current weld inspection. Eddy current is an environmentally friendly and approved nondestructive testing (NDT) technique for weld inspection that complies with the ISO/DIN 17643 (previously EN 1711: 2000) standard.  Eddy current can save time and money compared to using liquid penetrant or magnetic particle inspection when inspecting welds, and unlike LP and MP inspections, there is no waste material generated that requires environmental disposal. As NDT continues to evolve, more advanced inspection tools like Mentor EM have emerged to provide weld inspectors with simpler and more effective eddy current inspection tools.

Mentor EM allows rapid weld inspection by all levels of inspectors – from the expert to the newly qualified, helping with the challenges of the new NDT landscape. Additionally, Mentor Create enables easy customization of the user interface to suit the applications and skill level of the inspector. Workflows are easily transferred from the PC to Mentor and quickly shared between remote sites.

Today’s NDT industries deal with a number of challenges, including:

• Aging NDT inspector population and dwindling talent pipeline
  • Increasing complexity of inspections
  • Demanding environment, health and safety regulations
  • Eddy current as alternative to liquid penetrant (LP) and magnetic particle inspection (MPI)
  • Growing need for improved Probability-of-Detection (POD) and productivity

To address these challenges for NDT professionals, GE is:

• Leveraging advancements in digital electronics, packaging, and display technology
• Expanding use of downloadable customized applications (‘apps’) for NDT inspections
• Integrating wireless communication into NDT instrumentation to allow immediate collaboration with remote experts

Watch a replay of the full webinar below to learn more about eddy current weld inspection and today’s advanced technology.